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Thursday, July 14, 2011

Out of Surgery and Feelin' Fine...So Far

First things first. Maddie is out of surgery and doing fine.

We arrived at Shriners Hospital in Minneapolis at 8:00 a.m. After three rousing rounds of the memory game, our first ever viewing of "Mulan II," and some sticker fun, it was finally time for Maddie to get ready to go to the OR. It was nearly noon, and despite the fact that she hadn't had anything to eat or drink since last night, Maddie didn't complain once...even when her parents and sister had a hearty breakfast right in front of her.

Surgery lasted nearly three hours. Excruciating. But all went well.

She is currently sporting a bright pink cast and watching "Pooh's Heffalump Movie while we wait for her specially ordered dinner: Mac and cheese and watermelon. She is in no pain because of an epidural which will be wearing off in an hour or so. At that time, she'll start oral pain meds. We are hoping for a comfortable, uneventful night, and if all goes well, Maddie will go home tomorrow.

Miss Isabel has been a real trouper all day, too.

We are happy surgery is over. Now begins the six to eight week road to recovery. More details later when I get off this ipad and onto a real computer.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

I Wish I Would Have Invented Pillow Pets

Today, Maddie, Ibby, and I did every physical thing we could think of, literally hopped, skipped, and jumped as much as we could, knowing that Maddie will not be able to partake in these activities for the next six to eight weeks. The bonus is Mom burned some precious calories (damn nervous eating) and the girls should be exhausted tonight prompting a good night's sleep for all.

Tonight we are having a special dinner...Maddie's choice...tortellini alfredo with chicken, salads, and garlic toast. And we will present Maddie with the extra large ladybug pillow pet to sleep with tonight and take to the hospital tomorrow. If you don't have kids, you may not know what these are. We have six of them. Yes, six. My girls are infatuated with them, and as the title of this post states, I really wish I would have created this toy because I would be a gazillionaire, I'm sure.

I'm nervous. Really, really nervous. I'm quite confident that all will go well. It's just that if I could spare Maddie of this experience, I would. In a heartbeat. But it's these things that make us strong, right? And build character? And Maddie has more character than almost anyone I know. So. I think I may have to drink a beer tonight to make me tired. I'm not sure sleep will come easily. But tomorrow at this time, we will already be on the road to recovery. More then...

Friday, July 8, 2011

All Systems Go

Today, Maddie, Ibby, and I spent four and a half hours at Shriners Hospital in Minneapolis in preparation for Maddie's surgery next Thursday, July 14.

We always knew Maddie would need a second surgery on her leg. The fibula (the only significant bone she has in the lower portion of that leg since the tibia is just a little sliver) is slanted, and to give Maddie the best shot at walking "normally" for the long term, that bone needs to be centralized or straightened. Right now, it bulges out the side of her knee, and as she grows, the bone grows too, so it is beginning to protrude more and more. Fitting her with a prosthesis is going to be much easier once this protrusion no longer exists. And her gait should normalize a bit too once she's no longer swinging that leg out when she walks and runs. Anyhow, our surgeon believes now is the best time to proceed, so off we go!

I can hardly believe that Maddie was only two and had only been home a few months when she had her first surgery. What a different experience this time around. When asked, she can tell you what she's going to the hospital for, and she can give a pretty good explanation of the procedure that's going to be performed. I remember, with horror, when they tried to take blood during her pre-op physical for that first surgery, and how she screamed and struggled. Today, not even a wince or a tear...of course, I attribute that totally to the wonderful lab tech who got her on the first poke!

After surgery, Maddie will be without her prosthesis for six to eight weeks as her leg heals. Not fun, but we know that Maddie will handle it with the grace and humor with which she handles everything. She is truly a remarkable child. Back in December when she broke her leg, I told her she was a trouper. "Do you know what 'trouper' means?" I asked. She replied, "It means I'm a very brave girl." And indeed, she is.

And let me not leave Isabel out of this post. A more caring, empathetic sister you could not find. She held Maddie's hand during the blood draw today. And after it was all over, she exclaimed excitedly, "Good job, Maddie! Give me five!"

I left Shriners nearly in tears today because I have two of the most amazing children. They were patient and positive and so well behaved as we went from one part of the hospital to another, seeing one doctor or another. No whining, no complaning. I am so blessed and so proud to be their mom.

So I will post updates here as we proceed through our next surgical adventure. I know I don't have to ask for you to keep us, especially Maddie, in your thoughts and prayers next Thursday and in the coming weeks. We are so lucky to have so many friends and family members who hold us close in their hearts. Your loving support means the world to us.